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June 15, 2026
Winter Bites
Low Light, High Disease Pressure and the Importance of Keeping Crops Generative. Winter is often the period that determines whether a crop finishes profitably or simply survives until spring. The next three months will test growers' ability to manage light, energy, disease pressure and plant balance more than any other time of the year. As light levels decline and cold, wet weather becomes more frequent, we begin to see the typical winter challenges emerge. Across a number of sites I have already noticed the first signs of Botrytis and blight appearing. Once conditions favour these diseases, they rarely move backwards without intervention.
June 15, 2026
Seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Glasshouse Technician
"Work at the cutting edge of protected cropping, managing irrigation, fertigation, climate systems, and plant health in a modern vegetable glasshouse."
June 1, 2026
A major milestone has been reached in Direct Air Capture and agriculture
Strategic alliance will establish a decentralized, fossil-free CO₂ supply for a vital greenhouse cluster in the Netherlands that spans 80 hectares
June 15, 2026
Signify expands Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force portfolio with tailored solutions for today’s diverse grower strategies
New Performance and Elite versions empower growers to optimize either upfront investment or long-term operational efficiency—without compromising on Philips quality
June 15, 2026
New spray approved for professional control of insect pests (Buildings only)
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved Seclira WSG, a spot-treatment surface spray for the control of insect pests in and around buildings.
June 1, 2026
Ground-Source Heating: Lessons from a Leading UK Greenhouse Operation
An in-depth look at the ground-source heat pump system heating Stewarts Garden Centre in England and the opportunities this technology may offer commercial greenhouse growers in New Zealand. "Energy costs in the UK are currently extremely high compared with New Zealand. During discussions on site, electricity pricing was described as sitting around 22 pence per kWh, which converts to approximately NZ$0.50 per kWh. Considering those energy prices, the efficiency of the heating system was particularly impressive".
May 19, 2026
Food Costs in England – “Cheap as Chips in the Supermarket, Astronomical Eating Out”
Yesterday (18 May) I returned from more than three weeks in UK. As usual, my first port of call when arriving in England was the supermarket — and particularly the vegetable section, much to the annoyance of my wife. Before long I was snapping photos of my favourite greenhouse vegetables.
June 1, 2026
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on a proposal to restrict the use of insecticides containing bifenthrin.
The public consultation runs from 21 May - 21 July 2026.
June 1, 2026
A Seamless Upgrade at Ball Australia
Powerplants carried out extensive upfront planning, off-site pre-build preparation, and detailed integration design before arriving on site.
June 1, 2026
Signify: Developing next-generation cultivation systems that shorten growing cycles while maintaining consistent crop quality
Signify boosts crop productivity and cost competitiveness at Yonam University smart farming hub with intelligent Philips LED lighting
June 1, 2026
Exploring the Future of Protected Cropping in Asia
Covered Cropping NZ is seeking grower feedback on a proposed study tour to Korea and China, offering first-hand access to some of the world's most innovative greenhouse production systems.
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May 19, 2026
IFPA Produce Executive Program – The Program Building NZ’s Next Generation of Produce Leaders
The program delivery is supported by senior leaders in the NZ produce industry along with international experts.
May 19, 2026
Demystifying stone wool for strawberry cultivation
“Stone wool can make it easier for growers to face some of the current challenges”
May 5, 2026
Energy, Equity and the Future of Greenhouse Growing
Finding Balance in a Changing Energy Landscape. Recent discussions within the industry have raised questions around energy security — particularly the role of gas — and whether targeted support for some growers may be needed to maintain production.
It’s an important conversation, and one that deserves careful consideration.
May 19, 2026
New technote for Tomato russet mite
New guidance on the use of chemical miticides for Tomato russet mite control provides growers with a broader range of management options.
May 5, 2026
Turn sunshine into synergy and unlock higher yields year-round
How LED intercanopy lighting complements high radiation and transforms greenhouse production
May 5, 2026
Innovation In Strawberry Production in New Zealand
Propagation in a controlled environment (plant factory) will eventually offer the potential to control plant development when planted out.
